The Basics For Your RAD and R&F Rooms
Radiography is used to diagnose or treat patients by recording images of the internal structure of the body to assess the presence or absence of disease, foreign objects, and structural damage or anomaly. During a radiographic procedure, an x-ray beam is passed through the body. A portion of the x-rays are absorbed or scattered by the internal structure and the remaining x-ray pattern is transmitted to a detector so that an image may be recorded for later evaluation. The recoding of the pattern may occur on film or through electronic means.
Radiography is used in many types of examinations and procedures where a record of a static image is needed, including:
- Verification of correct placement of surgical markers prior to invasive procedures
- Orthopedic evaluations
- Spot film or static recording during fluoroscopy
- Chiropractic examinations
Where Does It Go?
Whatever your x-ray needs are, knowing you need an x-ray system is just the beginning. Knowing what kind to get and then where it should be mounted is another. Read on for some basic and not so basic information about the mounting systems available, which will help you determine the “why, what, where and which” that will work best for you.
Every X-ray system has some form of stand. They are necessary for support of the imaging system as a whole, as well as the x-ray tubes, collimators, monitors etc. It’s helpful to understand the function of the stands so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The options available are a floor-mounted tube, floor-to-ceiling mounted tube, or ceiling-mounted tube.
Which Do You Need?
A floor-mounted tube stand is the standard x-ray option that provides a complete range of routine radiographic procedures, and since it does not require any costly structural modifications, it is versatile and budget-friendly. It has a column rotation, which makes it easier to do specific and easier to move if necessary, but doesn’t provide as much support when performing procedures. It can fit in more compact rooms, so it is ideal for smaller clinics and facilities but it is also functional for bigger hospitals because it does provide the best imaging capability and can be installed in many rooms. It’s also the easiest system to resell if you plan to upgrade in a few years.
The floor-to-ceiling mounted tube stand offers you versatility and ease of handling for general radiography, but it is not as fully functional as the floor mounted model. It is, however, ideal if you want something completely anchored. This should be the least expensive of your options but what you get in price and stability, you will forfeit in quality and maneuverability. It is an option often chosen to facilitate the wide range of procedures common to hospitals, satellite hospitals, ambulatory care centers and group practice facilities.
Finally, a ceiling-mounted tube is more stable as it has 2 support rails in the floor and the ceiling, but it’s much more challenging to install and remove if you’d like to move it to a different location. This model also requires a very big room with a lot of ceiling support, which is most appropriate for big hospitals. It is fully counter-balanced, so the heavy-duty system moves easily throughout its entire range, which does help to minimize operator fatigue. As far as price, this model is not as expensive as floor-mounted tube stand systems, but it is more expensive than the floor-to-ceiling mounted systems. And while some people think that ceiling-mounted tubes offer a larger imaging capability, this is really not true, and ultimately when it comes to replacing this model, it is the most difficult to resell.
If you have any other questions we are always here to help you out. Feel free to contact us at any time.
Call us at 212-366-9100 for a free consultation or email info@atlantisworldwide.com
